COUNTY Youth moved a step closer to the Youth Alliance League title with a hard-fought victory over Blackpool on Saturday morning.

On the mark were Chris Coward and Gianluca Havern (2).

Striker Coward, who has hit 35 goals this season, came off during Saturday's victory and, unfortunately, the injury was later diagnosed as a torn hamstring, which will now keep him out of action until next season.

The first game Coward will miss is today's (Wed) Youth Alliance League Cup Northern Final when Grimsby Town visit the Hatters' Manor Farm training complex in Timperley.